Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) is a small, thorny tree native to northwestern Europe. For thousands of years, folk medicine has prescribed hawthorn for a variety of uses, ranging from sore throats to nausea. Hawthorn is rich in flavonoids and other compounds responsible for its heart-healthy benefits.
Hawthorn's constituents exert their effects on the heart in several ways. Hawthorn increases the force of heart contractions and blood flow, while reducing oxygen demand. It reduces the accumulation of debris in the arteries, lowers blood pressure, reduces irregular heartbeats, reduces resting pulse rate, and lowers cholesterol levels. Clinical trials with hawthorn have confirmed its beneficial effects on the heart and have shown that it can relieve symptoms associated with heart failure. It also increases physical performance.
People looking for a unique product to support cardiovascular health and function should consider AOR's Hawthorn II as a natural alternative.